A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Beijing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Beijing?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $78. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Petersburg and Beijing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Beijing $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Beijing

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Beijing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Beijing


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Beijing $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.74
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.95
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.34
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.22
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
  • Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
  • Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing HTL-APT (PEK): $62
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
  • Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
  • Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $49
  • Transfer from Daxing International Airport: $49
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port Transfer from Beijing: $130
  • Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Beijing?

Prices for flights to both Beijing and Saint Petersburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Petersburg $19
    Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.67

Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.83
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $6.95
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.78
  • Watermelon
    $1.95
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
  • Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
  • Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
  • Private Nightlife Trip to See Wonderful Acrobatic Show Enjoy Delicious Barbecue Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Peking Duck Dinner with Face Changing show and Massage Option: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Beijing $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.34
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $59
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.73
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
  • 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
  • Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $120
  • Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
  • China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
  • Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $290
  • Forbidden City Tour : $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Incredible Beijing City Highlights: $179
  • Jinshanling&Gubeikou Great Wall Private One Day Tour With Guide: $130
  • Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Beijing $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $163
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $228


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Beijing is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Saint Petersburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing in the Summer?

Both Beijing and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Beijing 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Beijing. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Beijing 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Beijing. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Beijing -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Beijing. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Beijing 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Beijing and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Beijing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)